Beethoven – String Quartets Op. 18 Nos. 4-6 (Audio CD)

Performed by Bartók Quartet – White Label / Hungaroton (1990 Stereo, HRC 157)

Product Information

• UPC: 5991810015726
• Label: Hungaroton – HRC 157
• Series: White Label
• Format: Audio CD
• Country: Hungary
• Released: 1990
• Genre: Classical
• Style: Classical
• Item Number: (as per label details)
• Performed by: Bartók Quartet
• Design: Front cover painting by C. D. Friedrich
• Printed: (Audio CD production details; Stereo)

Overview

Beethoven’s String Quartets Op. 18 Nos. 4-6 represent cornerstone works of the early classical chamber music repertoire. Composed between 1798 and 1800 and published in 1801—with the Quartet No. 4 in C minor dedicated to Joseph Franz von Lobkowitz—these quartets showcase Beethoven's innovative use of counterpoint, thematic development, and dynamic contrasts.

This White Label release on Hungaroton (HRC 157) presents a pristine 1990 stereo recording of these classic works by the renowned Bartók Quartet. Known for their sensitive interpretations and deep-rooted connection to Hungarian musical tradition, the Bartók Quartet brings fresh yet authoritative performances to these timeless masterpieces.

Product Features

• Performance Excellence:
  • The Bartók Quartet, with its expert musicianship, delivers an outstanding performance of Beethoven’s celebrated early string quartets.
  • Instrumentation:
    • Violin: Péter Komlós, Sándor Devich
    • Viola: Géza Németh
    • Cello: Károly Botvay
• Audio Format:
  • 1990 Stereo Audio CD, ensuring rich and clear sound quality reflective of the original classical sound.
• Historical Relevance:
  • This recording captures the spirit of Beethoven’s Op. 18 quartets—a collection that historically set benchmarks for string quartet literature.

Interesting Facts

• Beethoven’s Early Masterpiece:

  • The String Quartet No. 4 in C minor, Op. 18, No. 4 is celebrated for its dramatic motifs and emotional depth, a composition dating from 1798-1800 and dedicated to the noble patron Joseph Franz von Lobkowitz.

• Performance Legacy:

  • The Bartók Quartet, formed with a strong tradition in Hungarian classical performance, is known for their dynamic interpretations and attention to historical detail—qualities that shine through on this White Label release.

• Artistic Packaging:

  • The front cover features a painting by C. D. Friedrich that visually echoes the profound emotional landscapes of Beethoven’s music, making the CD a collectible item for both audiophiles and classical music enthusiasts.

Track Listing

String Quartet in C Minor, Op. 18 No. 4

1. I. Allegro, Ma Non Tanto – 8:44
2. II. Scherzo. Andante Scherzoso Quasi Allegretto – 5:26
3. III. Menuetto. Allegretto – 4:10
4. IV. Allegro – 4:00

String Quartet in A Major, Op. 18 No. 5

1. I. Allegro – 6:10
2. II. Menuetto – 5:01
3. III. Andante Cantabile – 9:13
4. IV. Allegro – 4:45

String Quartet in B Flat Major, Op. 18 No. 6

1. I. Allegro Con Brio – 6:50
2. II. Adagio Ma Non Troppo – 7:05
3. III. Scherzo. Allegro – 3:34
4. IV. La Malinconia. Adagio - Allegretto Quasi Allegro – 8:20

Ensemble Credits

• Cello: Károly Botvay
• Viola: Géza Németh
• Violin: Péter Komlós, Sándor Devich
• Liner Notes: László Somfai
• Design (Cover Painting): C. D. Friedrich

Publishers

Released by Hungaroton on the White Label series (HRC 157) in 1990. All rights reserved for this edition of Beethoven’s String Quartets Op. 18 Nos. 4-6.

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English:

#Beethoven #StringQuartetsOp18 #BartókQuartet #ClassicalMusicCD #Hungaroton #WhiteLabel #Opus18 #ChamberMusic #ClassicalRecording #1990Stereo